Expressions of faith happen every day in Carinity seniors' communities, but it's not often that baptisms occur there.
Carinity Wishart Gardens retirement village resident, Alvin McHugh, hasn't let age or fear stop him from publicly confirming his commitment to Jesus Christ.
Almost 70 people, including family members and friends, came together to witness the 90-year-old get baptised in the Wishart Gardens pavilion.
"Due to circumstances, I slipped through the cracks but now on reflection of my life, I now feel it's time to be obedient to God's wishes," Alvin told the gathering before being baptised.
Alvin spoke of his heartfelt gratitude for the way God has led him, especially in bringing him and his wife Elaine to Wishart Gardens over ten years ago and during tough times in his life.
His faith was "sorely tested and found wanting" during his youth, especially following the passing of his father - a Baptist pastor - when Alvin was 17.
"At that point my faith was at a very low ebb and I blamed God for taking my father … at an age when I really needed a father to guide me through those difficult years," Alvin said.
Alvin "recommitted his life to the Lord" in his 40s. He believes God "never abandoned me" and "looked after me through the good and the not so good".
That included mental health challenges after his first marriage ended, and the years he cared for Elaine, who suffered from depression and dementia.
"It was only when I looked back over this period of my life that I came to realise His faithfulness to me," Alvin said.
"This whole period was one of complete stress and frustration but through constant prayer, God gave me the strength and understanding I needed to carry out my care for Elaine."
Carinity Mission Engagement Manager, Pastor Tracey Valentine, who performed the baptism with Reverend Tim Winslade, said it was a "privilege to stand alongside Alvin as he took this step of faith".
"It was such a joy to spend time with Alvin as he prepared for his baptism; hearing his story was a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness," Tracey said.
"Throughout his life - from childhood, through the hardships following the war, to meeting his wife, and walking together through a challenging season later in life - Alvin can see God's hand in his life."
Alvin thanked the Carinity Wishart Gardens community for its support, especially after Elaine, his partner of almost 60 years, passed away in September.
"As soon as I came to my first church service here, I knew I had found my church family," he said.
